5 Reasons to Rollover 401k Plan into an IRA

When you leave a job, you may have a 401k plan that you contributed to during your employment. However, once you leave, you have a few options with what to do with that money. One option is to rollover your old 401k into an individual retirement account (IRA). Here are five reasons why you should consider this option.

More Investment Options

When you have a 401k plan, you are limited to the investment options that your employer offers. However, with an IRA, you have a wider range of investment options. You can invest in individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles that you may not have had access to with your 401k. This can allow you to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn a higher return on your investments.

Greater Control

When you have an old 401k, you are limited in terms of how you can manage your account. You may have to go through your former employer to make changes to your investments, and you may not be able to make certain transactions. However, with an IRA, you have more control over your account. You can make changes to your investments whenever you want, and you can choose the investment options that best suit your financial goals.

Lower Fees

401k plans can have high fees associated with them, including management fees and administrative fees. These fees can eat into your returns and lower the overall value of your account. However, with an IRA, you may be able to find lower fees. Many IRAs have no annual fees, and the fees for investment management may be lower than those associated with a 401k plan.

Simplified Management

If you have multiple 401k plans from previous employers, it can be challenging to manage them all. You may have to keep track of different account numbers and log into multiple accounts to make changes. However, if you roll over your old 401ks into a single IRA, you can simplify your account management. You only have to keep track of one account, and you can make changes to all of your investments in one place.

Potential Tax Benefits

Depending on the type of IRA you choose, you may be able to receive tax benefits. With a traditional IRA, you may be able to deduct your contributions from your taxable income. With a Roth IRA, your contributions are not tax-deductible, but your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. By rolling over your old 401k into an IRA, you may be able to take advantage of these tax benefits.

In conclusion, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider rolling over your old 401k into an IRA. With more investment options, greater control, lower fees, simplified management, and potential tax benefits, an IRA may be the best option for managing your retirement savings. Be sure to do your research and consult with a financial advisor to determine if this is the right choice for you.